If you love saving money or are living on a strict budget, buying things second-hand can be a great way to reduce your costs. Even if you aren’t struggling with finances, it’s good to reuse instead of contributing to the planet’s waste.
However, while there are many things you can thrift in, some items should be avoided. It’s possible to waste your money if you’re not careful with your purchases.
In this article, we will discuss five home items you shouldn’t buy used.
Let’s get started.
1. Large Appliances
Large appliances such as fridges, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers can be one of your most significant household expenses. But, it’s not a good idea to buy them used.
Previous owners often lie about their condition, and they may require rather expensive repairs that are more than what the machine is worth. If you’re worried about the cost, there are ways you can protect your finances.
For instance, you might consider getting an appliance protection plan that will cover unexpected wear and tear.
2. Mattress and Bedding
Our beds are one of the dirtiest places in our home. Even with regular cleaning, they are full of bacteria, and the older our mattress is, the more allergens can be found.
You definitely don’t want to be sleeping on someone’s bedding that you aren’t familiar with. If you’ve ever seen a UV blacklight being used in an old motel, you’ll see why.
3. Safety Equipment
Safety equipment is another crucial thing that you should never buy used. Items such as smoke alarms, baby gates, car seats, helmets, fire extinguishers, etc., must be in good condition to be effective.
When you buy from someone else, you’re never 100% sure they are in working order. This could risk the lives of not only yourself but your family.
4. Upholstered Furniture
While there are a lot of fantastic pre-loved furniture items out there, it doesn’t mean you should go and take home any chair or couch you see. Dirt, dust mites, dead skin cells, and bed bugs can be hiding underneath, and the last thing you want is to let them come into your home.
That being said, there are instances when it’s alright. For example, you might know the living conditions of the previous owners, and some second-hand stores have cleaning policies and procedures in place.
5. Electronics
Again, electronics such as laptops and gaming consoles can be a rather tricky item to judge. They are often best avoided because of how many people get scammed.
You think you’ve scored a great deal, plug it in, and suddenly realize that it doesn’t work or start-up. In most cases, it’s better to buy new, as you’ll know it will last.
Final Words
And that’s it! These are five home items that you shouldn’t buy used. So, remember to be careful next time you’re at your local thrift shop or browsing Facebook Marketplace. While it’s great to save money, you don’t want to put your own health and safety at risk.
